Ares V

The Ares V is a space rocket. Ares V will launch the Earth Departure Stage and Altair lunar lander when NASA returns to the Moon, which is currently planned for 2019.[1] The Ares V will complement the Ares I, which is being designed as a crew launch vehicle. The Ares designs were selected for their anticipated overall safety, reliability and cost-effectiveness.[2]

The Ares V will be able to carry about 188 tonnes (414,000 lb) to Low Earth orbit (LEO), and 71 tonnes (157,000 lb) to the Moon.[3] Upon completion the Ares V will be the most powerful rocket ever built, lifting more into orbit than even the Saturn V.[4] Ares V, Ares IV, and Ares I are named after Ares, the Greek god, which is the equivalent to the Roman god Mars.